Depeche Mode to kick off world tour in Tel Aviv

British pop superstars to launch a 34-show European tour in Israel's Hayarkon Park in 2013.

Depeche Mode 390.
(photo credit:Courtesy)

Like Madonna only a few months ago, British pop superstars Depeche Mode will launch a 34-show European tour next year in Israel.

At a press conference in Paris on Tuesday, the veteran synth-pop trio made good on a promise that singer Dave Gahan made at the group’s 2009 show at Ramat Gan Stadium to come back to the country, with the announcement of the tour with its debut at Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on May 7.

“In 2009. we promised to 50,000 fans in Israel that we’d return soon, and we’re excited to announce that our upcoming world tour will debut at Park Hayarkon in Tel Aviv,” the band said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Other dates on the tour include Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, the Stade De France in Paris, Moscow’s Locomotive Stadium, and Rome’s Olympic Stadium. The European leg finishes July 29th at Minsk Arena. These will be Depeche Mode’s first live shows since their massive 2009/2010 Tour of the Universe during which they played 142 shows, including their Israel debut.

The band, consisting of Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher, formed in 1980 and have been one of the rock world’s top attractions ever since. Before the launch of next year’s tour, the band is slated to release their 13th studio album, following 2009’s well-received Sounds Of The Universe.

“I’m thrilled about the new album and I’m very excited to get back on tour,” said Gahan.

According to the promoter of the Tel Aviv show, Shuki Weiss - who also produced the 2009 concert - the return of Depeche Mode to Israel represents another significant notch in the belt for the country’s status as viable destination for top-tier artists.

“Israel continues to strengthen its position as an important player on international touring map.The number of tour debuts in Israel is growing and the once-hidden power of the music-loving Israeli audience is now a known entity in the world artistic community,” said Weiss, citing performances this year by Madonna, Morrissey, Chris Cornell, Cirque de Soleil and Red Hot Chili Peppers. “Depeche Mode is continuing that trend with its decision to open up their world tour in Israel. “

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